PS Audio DirectStream DAC

[audiohippo]

The DSD has been out for a few years now, how does it stack up against the latest and greatest DACs?

Has anyone made the jump or considering a jump from the DSD to something else?

[longbowbbs]

I am still very satisfied. DAC's are advancing on several fronts and that is a great thing. So far, nothing has me jumping ship. The ability of the team to continue to refine the FPGA programming was a major factor in selecting this DAC. I loved the sound but I also was looking for something that would prove to be somewhat future proof. Hard to do that with DAC's.

[doggiehowser]

I have compared the DS DAC to a Chord DAVE and a Hugo TT.

The DAVE was the only one that made me consider switching but two things stood in the way.

Over coax/optical, the DAVE was superior. More energy, more lifelike.

But over Bridge II I thought the DS was a lot closer vs DAVE on USB from the same computer. And that's most of my music listening.

Then there was the DS Memory Transport which made my SACDs come alive again.

The biggest clincher was adding the BHK PreAmp.

That's about the price of the DAVE.

Areas the DAVE is still ahead. DSD256 support.

Thankfully I've only got one album in that format.

[4N6]

Originally Posted by longbowbbs

I am still very satisfied. DAC's are advancing on several fronts and that is a great thing. So far, nothing has me jumping ship. The ability of the team to continue to refine the FPGA programming was a major factor in selecting this DAC. I loved the sound but I also was looking for something that would prove to be somewhat future proof. Hard to do that with DAC's.

+1. Very cool that the next FREE upgrade comes within the week.

[ejr1953]

I have enjoyed a DirectStream DAC now for nearly three years and still love the sound. I took my time settling on the PS Audio unit, the key selling feature (for me) was it being up gradable with regular firmware changes. Each time those firmware updates were made available, I'd take advantage of them, each and everyone one of them has been an improvement.

I have been using the PS Audio PerfectWave transport for over a year, just sent a check to my dealer for the new DirectStream transport, which is being very well reviewed. From what I'm reading, connecting these two with an I2S cable and playing SACDs is the "cat's meow".

[EfeTe]

Mine is not going anywhere -love it!

[Weirdcuba]

Mine either. Love the upgradeability, for free.

[longbowbbs]

Originally Posted by 4N6

+1. Very cool that the next FREE upgrade comes within the week.

I hope so. Torrey's is solid though. I know they are also close on firmware for the DS Memory player as well. Busy times at PS Audio.

[EfeTe]

Yes plus an update on the Bridge II renderer too, hopefully, handle MQA over Tidal. Fingers crossed.

[scirica]

Who is going to be the first one to install Huron and report back? Can't wait to hear the reviews.